Clive Myrie’s first Mastermind episode as host comes to emotional end

Clive’s first episode saw a contestant through to the semi-final (Picture: BBC/PA)

Clive Myrie’s Mastermind debut came to a tearful end when a contestant became emotional after securing a place in the semi-final.

Broadcaster Clive presented his first episode of the BBC quiz show on Monday after taking over from John Humphrys as host.

During the programme, software engineer Ranvir Singh Kalare got through to the semi-final after scoring 20 points with his specialist subject of singer Bruce Springsteen.

After winning the heats, he began to cry after his partner came on stage to congratulate him.

‘What am I going to be like if I win the final?’ he said.

‘When Clive read out the score I couldn’t actually believe it.

Clive made his debut on Monday night (Picture: BBC/PA)

John Humphrys presented the show for 18 years (Picture: BBC/Karen Wright)

‘Then, as it sunk in, the emotions came out. It’s been such hard work, as I’m sure every Mastermind contestant will tell you.

‘My partner Serena can tell you how my head’s been stuck in a computer for the last few months.

‘Hard work pays off, I guess.’

Clive replaced John as the presenter of the long-running show when the veteran journalist stepped down from the role after 18 years.

Mastermind started in 1972 and has had four previous presenters – Magnus Magnusson, Peter Snow, Clive Anderson and John Humphrys.

Clive, a regular presenter of BBC News At Six and Ten since 2010, has previously worked as the broadcaster’s correspondent in Asia, Africa, Washington, Paris and Brussels.

Ahead of his debut episode airing on Monday night, the veteran journalist admitted he found joining the iconic game show ‘scarier’ than ‘dodging bullets’ from Saddam Hussein’s army.

Clive admitted to his nerves over the show the morning of his first episode (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

Commenting on its foreboding set-up on Good Morning Britain, Clive explained: ‘You walk into the Mastermind studio and it is dark, it is black. You’ve got the four contenders on that side, you walk in and I sit down, and I’m like, “I’m presenting Mastermind, I don’t believe this. It’s absolutely bizarre”.’ 

He continued: ‘Then you see the chair across the way and the music starts up and it’s like, boom! I genuinely was shaking for the first one.’ 

As presenter Ranvir Singh noted his career accomplishments, which have taken him around the world, Clive confessed: ‘Listen, I’ll be dodging bullets from Saddam Hussein’s army and all kinds of stuff, but that was scary. Sitting in that studio, it really was.’ 

More: Mastermind

The 56-year-old has previously described taking on the role of Mastermind host as a ‘privilege’, adding: ‘Mastermind with Magnus Magnusson formed the backdrop to my youth, and now to be at the helm is a dream come true.

‘I’m excited and can’t wait to get stuck in.’

Mastermind airs at 7.30pm on Monday on BBC Two and iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Mastermind: Who is the new presenter, and who else has hosted before?

MORE : Mastermind host Clive Myrie says racist trolls who send him abuse are ‘sad losers’